iPhone 5: future nano-SIM to be built according to Apple’s design

The European Telecommunications Standards Institute has decided to standardize the design proposed by Apple.

Today the ETSI confirmed that it has selected a form factor for the new 4FF SIM Card.

“The fourth form factor (4FF) card will be 40% smaller than the current smallest SIM card design, at 12.3mm wide by 8.8mm high, and 0.67mm thick. It can be packaged and distributed in a way that is backwards compatible with existing SIM card designs. The new design will offer the same functionality as all current SIM cards,” ETSI announced on its website.

ETSI only announced that the decision had been made, without giving further details, according to a spokesman at the standards organization.

The nano-SIM standard will replace the MicroSIM card, which was integrated in the iPhone 4 in 2010.

The new design is almost a third smaller than the MicroSIM, which could allow developers to build smaller handsets.

Despite having the support of a number of European operators, Apple had to face some fierce competition from Nokia and Motorola who offered an alternative design with RIM.

The nano-SIM standard will be published in ETSI’s TS 102 221 specification.